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05
Oct
2024

Professional Learning Day for SNAs - Trauma Informed Practice

05-10-2024 9:30 am -2:00 pm
Online Webinar
€20.00
Professional Learning Day for SNAs - Trauma Informed Practice

 

 

 

 

 

Our next Professional Learning Day for Special Needs Assistants takes place on Saturday the 5th of October commencing at 9.30am. The topic for the day is Trauma Informed Practice. Our guest speakers on the day are Lucy Mannion, Jen Treziak and Catriona O' Toole.

A recording of the event will be shared with all registrants 24hrs after the event. You will also receive a cert of attendance for 4.5hrs which can go towards your 72 hours.

Session 1: 9.30am - 10.45am

Understanding Trauma: Essential Guidance For Special Needs Assistants

This talk explores the nature, prevalence and impact of childhood trauma, drawing on the latest theory and research in the field. Content includes, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment disruption, community adversity, intergenerational trauma. We will also explore how trauma shows up in the classroom; how it impacts
children’s learning, behaviour, social and emotional development and sense of self.

We consider the role of significant adults, most notably Special Needs Assistants, in creating the conditions necessary for healing and resilience.

Trigger warning: This talk features emotionally difficult content

Presenter: Catriona O' Toole

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Catriona O’Toole is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor at Maynooth University Department of Education. She specialises in trauma-informed practice in education, student and educator wellbeing, and barriers to school attendance and participation.

An experienced educator, practitioner and internationally award winning author, she is recognised for her contributions to both research and practice. Catriona’s research has led to collaborations with international organisations, including the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) and national charities like, Kyrie Therapeutic Farm, and Alcohol Action Ireland, with whom she developed a bespoke website www.traumainformededucation.ie

Catriona is Chair of the Education and Policy Committee and Member of Executive Board with the International Network for School Attendance (INSA). She is Link Convenor of the Health and Wellbeing Education Network with the European Educational Research Association. At local level, she is a representative on Kildare Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC). Her research has received funding from multiple sources including the Irish Research Council, Tusla, The Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Limerick CYPSC, and Schools for Health in Europe Network Foundation.

Session 2: 11am - 12.15pm

Building Secure Relationships: Supporting SNAs with Attachment-Based Approaches

This talk will explore how Special Needs Assistants can work relationally with children who have different attachment styles, building on prior knowledge about attachment disruption and its effects on learning and behaviour. Attendees will learn how to recognise characteristics of secure attachment and various insecure attachment styles, such as avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganised.

We will explore practical strategies tailored to each attachment style, helping SNAs foster positive relationships and support emotional and behavioural development in children. Additionally, we will emphasise the importance of collaborating with families to support the development of secure attachments between parents and children.

Presenter: Lucy Mannion

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Lucy is the Director of TINT Education (Trauma-Informed, Neuroinclusive, Therapeutic Education). With an extensive background in education, psychology, and psychotherapy, Lucy has held senior leadership roles in sector-leading therapeutic schools across London, where she worked within multidisciplinary teams of educators and clinicians. Upon returning to Ireland, Lucy founded TINT Education with the mission of cultivating trauma-informed, neuroinclusive, and attachment-based practices in Irish schools. Drawing on her rich experience as a teacher, Lucy aims to bridge the gap between education and psychology by providing practical, evidence-based strategies that can be feasibly integrated into school environments. She regularly develops and delivers both online and in-person training workshops on these vital topics, helping educators foster nurturing, supportive learning spaces.

Session 3: 12.45 - 2pm

Sensory Strategies for Trauma-Sensitive Support

This session will explore sensory-based strategies that SNAs can use to support emotional regulation and build resilience in students who have experienced trauma. The focus will be on practical, sensory approaches that can be integrated into classroom routines, helping students manage their emotions, reduce anxiety, and increase self-awareness through sensory input. These strategies acknowledge how trauma can affect a child’s sensory processing, and how sensory tools can help create a calming, supportive environment.
 
Outline:
  • Understanding the connection between trauma and sensory dysregulation
  • Sensory Grounding Techniques 
  • Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment:
  • Using Movement-Based Sensory Activities:
  • Incorporating Sensory Tools for Emotional Regulation
  • Building Trust Through Sensory Awareness

Presenter: Jen Treziak

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Jen Trzeciak is a highly experienced, Coru registered Occupational Therapist specialising in mental health. With over 20 years of service in the NHS, private, and third sector organisations, Jen has developed a rich background in delivering tailored mental health interventions and facilitating mental health awareness workshops and training programs.

In 2021, Jen founded Way Ahead Therapy to offer flexible, personalised support and training solutions for individuals and organisations alike. She works one-to-one with teenagers and
adults facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, stress, and low self- esteem. In addition to her clinical work, Jen delivers mental health training in schools and community settings, empowering others with the knowledge and tools to improve well- being and foster resilience.

We are no longer accepting registration for this event

08
Oct
2024

Introducing AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) to the Classroom

08-10-2024 7:00 pm -8:30 pm
Online Webinar
€10.00
Introducing AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) to the Classroom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Target Audience: Primary Teachers and SNA's - 90 minute webinar 
 
A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the event. It will automatically delete then. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
In this webinar, we will discuss the move away from using PECS, why a robust AAC is so important, and how children learn the language of AAC. We will explore the power of core words for our neurodivergent learners and how to customise AAC software to get the most out of it. You will gain practical strategies & tips that you can walk away with and examples for setting meaningful goals for your AAC user. You will also be provided with printable handouts for the classroom. 
 
Presenter Bio
 
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Jenny Hillier is a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist and NLA Trained Clinician. With experience as a School-Based Speech Pathologist in Australia, Jenny has since established a successful private practice in Naas, Co. Kildare. Due to high demand, she now also offers online AAC training to parents and school staff nationwide.

We are no longer accepting registration for this event

27
Nov
2024

TD Snap - A workshop on editing & customising AAC software to help create meaningful exchanges.

27-11-2024 7:00 pm -8:00 pm
Online Webinar
€10.00
TD Snap - A workshop on editing & customising AAC software to help create meaningful exchanges.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During this workshop, Jenny will guide attendees on the initial set up of TD Snap including: editing buttons and pages, using symbols versus photos, customising phrases, and using page-sets to help customise this software for the AAC user. Jenny will also discuss using first-then boards to communicate a sequence of events, visual schedules, social stories and books programmed to the device, in order to best support your students and meet their communication needs. 
 
 
Presenter Bio
 
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Jenny Hillier is a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist and NLA Trained Clinician. With experience as a School-Based Speech Pathologist in Australia, Jenny has since established a successful private practice in Naas, Co. Kildare. Due to high demand, she now also offers online AAC training to parents and school staff nationwide.

We are no longer accepting registration for this event

30
Nov
2024

Professional Learning Day for Primary SNAs & Teachers - Autism

30-11-2024 9:30 am -2:00 pm
Online Webinar
€20.00
Professional Learning Day  for Primary SNAs & Teachers  - Autism
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Session 1: 9.30am - 10.45am
 
Supporting Autistic Communication 
 
In this session, you will explore the nuances of Autistic Communication using a Neurodiveristy affirming lens. You will learn strategies and practical ideas to implement in supporting your pupils' communication, including supporting non/minimally speaking pupils using AAC. Learn how to build a 'Communication Profile' for each of your pupils, along with gathering practical strategies and ideas for maximising success in supporting your autistic students' communication in the classroom 
 
Presenter Bio: Amy Collins
 
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Amy is a graduate of the Masters in Speech and Language Therapy in the University of Limerick where she graduated in 2010, having completed her Degree in Early Childhood Studies in UCC. Amy has spent her career to date specialising in her passion in supporting Autistic and neurodiverse children, teenagers and adults. Amy has extensive and international experience as a specialist SLT in a range of disability and education teams in Ireland and New Zealand, where she worked for the Ministry of Education. Amy has also worked as Clinical Lead SLT in the NCSE and brings an understanding of both the clinical and educational aspects to supporting autistic students.  Amy is passionate in educating and updating other professionals’ knowledge with new information and supporting families to advocate for their child’s needs.
 
Session 2: 11.00 - 12.15pm
 
Understanding Behaviour and Dysregulation
 
Jessie will explore ‘What is behaviour’. She will define and look at the causes and functions of behaviour and how you can identify them in the classroom. You will be introduced to simple behaviour tracking systems to record, track and assess the functions of particular behaviours of concern. Jessie will recommend strategies and supports to reduce incidence of dysregulation and behaviours of concern in the classroom.

Bio of Presenter: Jessie Kelly

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Jessie is a Deputy Principal in a Special School for Autistic children who have complex needs. She has almost 13 years experience working with and teaching Autistic children and teenagers. Jessie has worked in a range of roles including home tutor, autism preschool tutor, SNA and Special class teacher. Jessie completed an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2012 and qualified as a primary school teacher with Hibernia College in 2019. Jessie recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in the Education of Students on the Autism Spectrum at DCU. Jessie is passionate about educating Autistic students to their fullest potential. She runs the Instagram page ‘InspiredbyAutism’.

 

Session 3: 12:45pm - 2pm
 
Sensory processing: Pathway to Sensory Inclusion
 
The participants will follow a 4 step process from Awareness to Understanding to application and Inclusion of Sensory needs of autistic children. It is hoped that the participants will gain a further understanding of the Sensory Differences involved with Neurodiversity.
 
Bio of Presenter: Shaun Greville
 
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Facilitator Shaun Greville teaches in the Esker Centre, Ballinamere. Shaun completed 5 years secondment to the SESS and latterly the NCSE. He fulfilled the roles of Advisor and Assistant National Coordinator for the autism team with a focus on in-school support for teachers and both in-school and external CPD regarding autism. He has been teaching autistic students for over 20 years and creating and providing training for staff and parents in third level colleges of education, post primary, primary and special schools. He also provides support groups for teachers and parents of autistic students. He is a co author of  Good Practice Guidance for Schools for teaching autistic students.

We are no longer accepting registration for this event

27
Jan
2025

Understanding Stressful Behaviour in Autistic Students - Part 1. Stressful behaviour

27-01-2025 7:00 pm -8:00 pm
Online Webinar
€10.00
Understanding Stressful Behaviour in Autistic Students - Part 1. Stressful behaviour

 

 

 

 

Target Audience: Primary School SNAs & Teachers

Stressful behaviour part 1: A deep look at behaviours that may occur due to stress and distress. The participants will look at the low arousal approach to stressful behaviours, the communication underlying stressors and strategies for helping students achieve a sense of regulation.

Bio of Presenter: Shaun Greville

 

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Facilitator Shaun Greville teaches in the Esker Centre, Ballinamere. Shaun completed 5 years secondment to the SESS and latterly the NCSE. He fulfilled the roles of Advisor and Assistant National Coordinator for the autism team with a focus on in-school support for teachers and both in-school and external CPD regarding autism. He has been teaching autistic students for over 20 years and creating and providing training for staff and parents in third level colleges of education, post primary, primary and special schools. He also provides support groups for teachers and parents of autistic students. He is a co author of  Good Practice Guidance for Schools for teaching autistic students.

04
Feb
2025

Understanding Stressful Behaviour in Autistic Students - Part 2 - Preventing the Meltdown

04-02-2025 7:00 pm -8:15 pm
Online Webinar
Free
Understanding Stressful Behaviour in Autistic Students - Part 2 - Preventing the Meltdown

 

 

 

 

Target Audience: Primary School SNAs & Teachers

There will be a recording shared with all registrants. It will be available to view for 4 weeks after the live event. Each registrant will receive a cert of attendance the day after the event. 

Preventing the Meltdown part 2: Understanding and preventing distressed behaviour. A deeper look at the low arousal approach to managing stressful situations. PDA. Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance and extreme demand avoidance and autistic learners

Bio of Presenter Shaun Greville

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Facilitator Shaun Greville teaches in the Esker Centre, Ballinamere. Shaun completed 5 years secondment to the SESS and latterly the NCSE. He fulfilled the roles of Advisor and Assistant National Coordinator for the autism team with a focus on in-school support for teachers and both in-school and external CPD regarding autism. He has been teaching autistic students for over 20 years and creating and providing training for staff and parents in third level colleges of education, post primary, primary and special schools. He also provides support groups for teachers and parents of autistic students. He is a co author of  Good Practice Guidance for Schools for teaching autistic students.

10
Feb
2025

Supporting Children in the Autism Classroom

10-02-2025 7:00 pm -8:00 pm
Online Webinar
€10.00
Supporting Children in the Autism Classroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Target Audience: Primary School SNAs working in an Autism Class or working with Autistic Children

A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the live event. Every registrant will receive a cert of attendance.

In this webinar, Jessie will introduce you to what it looks like to be an SNA in an Autism Classroom. She will explore the role of the SNA and how it differs from the mainstream classroom. You will be introduced to a range of strategies and supports to promote successful engagement and learning in the classroom. Practical tips and tricks will be shared throughout. 

Bio of Presenter Jessie Kelly

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Jessie is a Deputy Principal in a Special School for Autistic children who have complex needs. She has almost 13 years experience working with and teaching Autistic children and teenagers. Jessie has worked in a range of roles including home tutor, autism preschool tutor, SNA and Special class teacher. Jessie completed an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2012 and qualified as a primary school teacher with Hibernia College in 2019. Jessie recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in the Education of Students on the Autism Spectrum at DCU. Jessie is passionate about educating Autistic students to their fullest potential. She runs the Instagram page ‘InspiredbyAutism’..

24
Feb
2025

Supporting Regulation for Autistic Students

24-02-2025 7:00 pm -8:00 pm
Online Webinar
€10.00
Supporting Regulation for Autistic Students

 

 

 

 

 

Target Audience: Primary School SNAs working in an Autism Class or working with children with Autism

A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the live event. Every registrant will receive a cert of attendance.

In this webinar, Jessie will introduce you to the different sensory profiles of autistic children. She will explore proactive strategies, tips and tricks to promote regulation of both Hyposensitive and Hypersensitive students in the classroom. Additionally Jessie will share with you how you can teach emotional regulation strategies to students and how to de-escalate at times of dysregulation.

Bio of Presenter Jessie Kelly

jessie

Jessie is a Deputy Principal in a Special School for Autistic children who have complex needs. She has almost 13 years experience working with and teaching Autistic children and teenagers. Jessie has worked in a range of roles including home tutor, autism preschool tutor, SNA and Special class teacher. Jessie completed an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2012 and qualified as a primary school teacher with Hibernia College in 2019. Jessie recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in the Education of Students on the Autism Spectrum at DCU. Jessie is passionate about educating Autistic students to their fullest potential. She runs the Instagram page ‘InspiredbyAutism’..